C-47 D-Day Flight Experience

Very good. They tried very hard to make it as realistic as possible.

AMAZING to say the least.

This is a great experience for a WWII buff. It really made me appreciate what a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne had to go through.

I received this experience as a gift. It was a great day for a flight and the C-47 flew like a dream. I'm looking forward to the possibility of hopping on the B-17 in the future. The crew and the re-enactors/historians were knowledgeable and fun. I've spent time with WWII Paratroopers of the 517th PRCT by attending their reunions, and it was a thrill to experience the plane that they trained in and eventually jumped from into combat 70 years ago. It is such a great tribute to their memory to keep the planes flying and the living history alive. I have no complaints about my experience but I do have two suggestions/ideas. Looking at the group that flew with me on that morning, I noticed that most were adults between the ages early 30s to around 60. No young men. I can understand that it might be cost prohibitive for a young person, but from an historic standpoint I think it is important that the younger generation is made aware of the experiences and sacrifices of this country's veterans. I've noticed that many young people have little or no knowledge of WWII and it's significance. Nor do they have any interest. Maybe there could be an offer of father & son/daughter package deals. During pre-flight, the organizers handed out cards with the identity of a real Paratrooper and the destiny of that Paratrooper. We were instructed to hold these cards and not view them until we were back on the ground. I thought this was a great idea. I thought it might be interesting for the guide on the flight to have a more in depth biography of the trooper you are representing. While in flight, the guide could sit across from you and tell you the trooper's history and put you in his boots. For example, the guide could say, "The date is June 6 1944. Your name is Private Timothy Robbins from Reading, PA. You are 18 years old and you are a Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. Before the flight you signed insurance papers. It's early in the morning, pitch black, and you've been told you have a one in two chance of surviving. Some of your buddies will perish -- some even before they jump since soon German flak will fill the sky. Tracers are ripping past the fuselage. Engines will slow to jump speed (although some didn't). Soon you will hear the command to "Stand up!" - "Hook up!" - The red light will change to green, and you will run for the door and out into the night sky. You've done this before in training but this time there is live fire and the enemy is waiting for you on the ground. The descent to the ground feels like an eternity. Suspended above the earth you witness a site that only you and those like you will share. This night of nights a young man descends from the sky into one of this country's most historic moments. The destiny of this battle is the destiny of the free world..." Something to put the rider in the moment...then at the end of the flight you could finish the story of the said Paratrooper... and so on. Just an idea. If a youngster could experience the flight and imagine himself in a young Paratrooper's boots 70 years ago, then maybe he will be encouraged to learn more and this most important chapter in history will stay alive. Thanks again. Looking forward to another flight someday.

This was a simulation/re-enactment of the paratrooper invasion of Normandy. We were greeted by a Sergeant who took us to a canteen where we received our gear. Then it was on to the secret mission briefing where we received our instructions and were told what to expect on the ground. The room had a very realistic look and feel. Except for my camera and cell phone, it could easily have been June 5, 1944. Since we were at an active private airport, the constant sound of propeller planes added to the mystique and really made it feel authentic; I was actually nervous, though probably not as much as if I were really going to be dropped from a plane by parachute at night over enemy territory. The staff was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. They gave us a great history lesson and told us tales of the invasion. The aircraft was in great shape. It was very realistic on the inside with few creature comforts. The plane flew smoothly and the pilots were really nice and informative. The experience was worth every penny. I am a history buff, and I have been to Normandy so this was very special for me.

Briefing before flight was very realistic. WW II helmet and jacket with jump hook made me very aware of what airborne troops went thru. Two fellows dressed in actual paratrooper gear were terrific in explaining mission of the airborne troops who jumped into Normandy. Crew of C-47 was very accommodating in explaining the aircraft and allowing us to visit the cockpit during flight. Flight over Long Island 's South Shore was great. It was a terrific experience I'll never forget. It malkes one really appreciate the sacrifices made by the Gretest Generation of WW II.

Excellent historical re-creation of what it was like to be a paratrooper on June 5 1944. Briefing was excellent, the flight very realistic and rewarding. The re-enactors/guides were knowledgeable, friendly and highly competent. I would highly recommend this to anybody who has any interest in history. The American Airpower Museum was a huge plus and an unanticipated pleasant surprise. One terrific exhibit was about 60 different front pages of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from 1939-1945, giving you a first-hand sense of the progress of the war and what Americans were being told (which was surprisingly truthful).

For the price of the flight experience they lacked communication with us. We had a 11:00 flight and it was delayed until 1:00 . They had us wait in a room for this time and they could of offered us water or something.. It was hot. Thanks to my wife for getting us something to drink. Once the flight took place it was a great experience..my husband and two children had an experience of WWII history and what it would have been like back then. Thank you to all the soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives for us..

Cloud 9 Living made our reservations and scheduling totally worry free. Communications with our experience consultant were the best. The experience at the facility was something exciting and will be remembered for years. Another experience will definitely be experienced soon.